Teens Learn & Live the Law

Office of the Attorney General

Virginia Rules is an educational program especially designed to help instructors, parents and students understand the law as it applies to teens in their everyday lives.

News and Events

Grant proposals for Virginia Rules Camps being accepted through April 6

February 23, 2018 -- Law enforcement agencies are once again invited to apply for a Virginia Rules Camp Grant for summer 2018. Funding is available to support the efforts of law enforcement agencies in developing or enhancing youth programming within their communities.

Virginia Rules Camps combine law education through the Virginia Rules curriculum with fun outdoor camp experiences for middle/high school aged youth, emphasizing positive relationship-building between youth participants and law enforcement within their community. In 2017, 20 law enforcement agencies received Virginia Rules Camp funding. For more information, including camp guidelines, the grant application, and other helpful resources, visit the camp page.

Youth and Law Enforcement Encounters E-Learning module added

In 2016 Attorney General Mark Herring announced the launch of a new Virginia Rules lesson plan, Give It, Get It: Trust and Respect between Teens and Law Enforcement.

We are excited to announce we have added a complementary e-learning module for the lesson, allowing students to learn on their own their rights and responsibilities when interacting with law enforcement.

Check out the Give It, Get It page to see complete the e-learning activity and review the materials and resources.

"Shoplifting" module now available

August 2, 2017 -- The new Virginia Rules module designed to educate teens on the laws concerning shoplifting and the consequences of that crime is now available online for instructors, and in summary format here.

Summer means Virginia Rules Camp!

August 1, 2017 -- The Office of Attorney General Mark Herring is pleased to be partnering with nearly two dozen law enforcement agencies throughout the Commonwealth this summer as they host Virginia Rules Camps. The Virginia Rules Camp grant program provides funding to police departments and sheriff’s offices to host summer camps, creating opportunities for young people to build positive relationships with law enforcement officers within their community, have outdoor camp-style experiences, and learn about Virginia law.

Under AG Herring’s leadership, the camp program has grown from two camps in 2014 (Richmond City and Chesapeake) to 20 camps in 2017 and it’s likely that even more localities will be interested in hosting their very own camp in 2018! 2017 grantees include:

The 2018 Virginia Rules Camp grant guidelines and application for funding should be available in January 2018. Keep an eye out, and feel free to email Shannon Freeman at sfreeman@oag.state.va.us to make sure the grant guidelines are emailed to you when they become available.

School and Campus Safety Training Forum

July 31, 2017 -- Virginia Rules updates and new materials will be presented at the School and Campus Safety Training Forum in Hampton, August 8 - 10, 2017. Now in its 17th year, the forum will feature a wide variety of keynote and breakout sessions related to school climate and campus safety issues for approximately 1,000 expected attendees in the fields of law enforcement, school security, PreK-12 administration and counseling, as well as others with an interest in school safety.

Welcome from the Attorney General of Virginia

Dear Fellow Virginians:

Thank you for visiting our Virginia Rules website and for taking an active role in the development of Virginia's young people! Virginia Rules helps provide character education and teaches children their rights and responsibilities as citizens of the Commonwealth. We hope you find these resources to be helpful and informative. Read more »

“It helps build a better rapport with the students -- after you have taught a class to them they feel more comfortable coming up and talking to you!” -- Deputy Sheriff Rhonda Halsey, Grayson County Sheriff's Office, Grayson County High School and Independence Middle School

“After teaching Dating Violence to my 8th grade girls, I could see the faces click on. They had a lot of questions on this topic and where could they seek help.” -- Corlis Anderson, Teacher, Joseph T. Henley Middle School, Albemarle County